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1.  Course  of  Study. 

2.  Methods  of  Instruction. 

3.  Bibliography. 

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Published  Quarterly  by  the  Lewiston  State  Normal  School  at 


Lewiston,  Idaho. 


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Entered  as  second- clan  matter,  August  5,  1905.  al  thfc  Postoffice  at  Lewiston,  Idaho,  under  Act  of  Congress 

of  July  16.  1694.  : ;^ 


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CIVICS  IN  THE  GRADES 


1 . Course  of  Study 

2.  Methods  of  Instruction 

3.  Bibliography 


UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS 


PRESIDENT’S  OFFICE, 


We  stumble  over  the  things  nearest  us. 

Benjamin  Harrison. 


HENRY  L.  TALKINGTON 

Department  of  American  History  and  Civics 
Lewiston  State  Normal  School 


“Every  phase  of  life  outside  of  the  family  circle  is  public 
life;  and  the  business  of  all  education  is  to  fit  men  for  public 
life — that  is,  life  in  relation  to  the  social  organism.” 


PREFACE 


It  has  been  well  said  that  “Civics,”  like  history,  in  the 
grades,  has  only  within  recent  years  advanced  beyond  the  stage 
of  utter  neglect  or  perfunctory  attention.”  It  is  true  that  a cer- 
tain amount  of  time  has  been  given  to  the  study  of  the  constitu- 
tion of  the  United  States,  but  this  has  oftentimes  amounted  to 
little  more  than  the  ability  to  name  the  qualifications,  manner  of 
election  and  the  general  powers  and  duties  of  the  officers  of  the 
national  government.  Little  or  no  attention  has  been  given  to 
the  study  of  government  as  it  is  found  in  the  family,  the  school, 
the  city,  the  county  or  the  state  or  to  bring  the  individual  into  a 
realization  of  his  personal  responsibility  to  government  wher- 
ever found. 

In  the  United  States,  from  the  school  district  to  the  na- 
tion government,  sovereignty  is  vested  in  the  individual 
citizen,  yet  he  has  often  received  far  too  little  practical 
education  and  training  to  fit  him  properly  to  exercise  his  sover- 
eign power.  Incidentally  much  valuable  instruction  in  civics  is 
received  by  the  child  everywhere.  If  he  is  taught  to  be  obedient 
at  home  he  will  be  orderly  in  school  and  law  abiding  when  he 
leaves  it ; habits  of  industry,  honesty  and  truthfulness  formed  in 
one  place  are  likely  to  be  practiced  in  another.  But  training  for 
citizenship  should  not  be  incidental  it  should  be  intentional, 
purposeful. 

The  great  civic  awakening,  witnessed  in  the  United  States 
during  the  last  few  years,  has  not  diminished  the  interest  in  the 
affairs  of  the  national  government,  but  rather  it  has 
widened  the  scope  of  the  study  of  government  in  general  and 
the  part  the  individual  citizen  in  particular  plays  in  its  adminis- 
tration. Civil  government  has  come  to  mean  citizen  govern- 
ment, and  this  fact  is  everywhere  recognized.  A place  for  the 
work  is  being  made  in  the  course  of  study  in  our  best  schools; 
plenty  of  good  books  and  suitable  current  literature  may  be  ob- 
tained for  every  grade  and  there  is  a public  demand  for  “Civic” 
education. 

Broadly  speaking  the  material  here  considered  centers 
around  one  of  the  following  civil  units:  (1)  the  family,  (2) 
the  school,  (3)  the  precinct,  (4)  the  county,  (5)  the  city,  (6) 


the  state,  (7)  the  nation.  The  first  three  topics  should  come  in 
the  first  four  grades,  but  beginning  with  the  fifth  one  of  the 
remaining  topics  may  be  taken  up  in  each  of  the  other  grades. 

In  this  bulletin,  which  must  necessarily  be  brief,  the  author 
has  not  attempted  to  give  much  material  for  the  study  of  civics 
but  rather  to  indicate  where  it  may  be  obtained  and  how  it  is  to 
be  presented  to  the  various  grades.  Again  the  author  has  em- 
phasized the  “Civics”  side  of  the  work,  taking  it  for  granted 
that  the  teacher  will  very  naturally  present  the  formal  academic 
side.  Most  of  the  work  here  presented  is  in  the  form  of  ques- 
tions asked,  but  the  period  has  been  used  instead  of  the  interroga- 
tion point,  as  the  object  has  been  to  announce  a topic  to  be 
studied  rather  than  a question  to  be  answered. 

HENRY  L.  TALKINGTON. 


Lewiston,  Idaho,  April  16,  1908. 


FAMILY  GOVERNMENT 


Government  originated  with  the  family  and  has  always  been 
based  upon  it.  “The  purity  of  the  home  is  regarded  as  the  first 
concern  of  all  good  government,”  for  it  is  realized  that  the  train- 
ing received  by  the  child  in  the  home  determines  the  character 
of  the  citizenship  found  in  any  country. 

There  are  certain  fundamental  virtues  that  should  early  be 
impressed  upon  the  mind  of  the  child  that  he  may  be  just  and 
lair  to  himself  and  to  others  in  all  of  his  relations  with  them; 
among  these  virtues  are  candor,  truthfulness,  frankness,  honesty, 
neatness,  cleanliness,  purity,  order,  obedience,  promptness, 
punctuality,  faithfulness;  fairness,  gratitude,  sympathy,  thought- 
xulness,  self-denial,  affection,  kindness,  courtesy,  loyalty,  polite- 
ness, duty,  self-respect,  self-reliance,  independence,  courage, 
bravery,  boldness,  self-control,  self-esteem,  alertness,  industry, 
thoroughness,  activity,  concentration,  perserverance,  persistence, 
patience,  endurance;  economy,  ownership,  orderliness;  humor, 
beauty,  enthusiasm,  cheerfulness,  ambition. 

The  child  should  be  taught  that  his  parents  supply  him  with 
food,  clothing,  and  all  of  the  comforts  of  the  home,  that  they 
are  much  wiser  than  he,  that  they  are  anxious  to  do  everything 
that  is  for  his  own  best  interest,  therefore  he  should  render  them 
implicit  obedience.  He  should  be  made  to  feel  that  all  he  does 
either  helps  or  hinders  other  members  of  the  family;  that  since 
he  receives  he  must  also  give  assistance  whenever  possible,  that 
when  he  fails  to  do  his  share  of  the  work  others  must  do  more 
than  theirs,  that  carelessness  may  endanger  not  only  his  life,  but 
the  lives  of  others  as  well,  that  for  every  violation  of  law  there 
should  be  and  is  a penalty ; if  it  be  a law  of  health  pain  follows ; 
if  a moral  law  a forfeiture  of  the  confidence  of  others  and  of  his 
own  self-respect,  while  if  it  be  a civil  law  it  means  a fine  or  im- 
prisonment. 


2 


METHOD  OF  PRESENTATION 

The  child  in  the  lower  grades  is  so  frank  and  free  from  any 
disposition  to  conceal  anything  of  his  own  life  or  that  of  his 
home,  the  teacher  therefore  can  detect  his  deficiency  of 
whatever  nature.  Other  characteristics  of  the  child  will  greatly 
aid  the  teacher  in  this  work.  The  habits  of  the  young  are  not 
strongly  fixed  and  they  are  very  responsive  and  impressionable. 

Since  family  government  is  largely  one  of  “morals,”  the 
duty  one  owes  to  another,  and  “manners,”  the  proper  expression 
of  his  relation  to  another,  it  is  needless  to  say  that  it  should  not 
be  taught  by  a series  of  talks  or  recitations  on  these  subjects; 
but  as  the  occasion  arises,  and  it  will  daily,  the  great  truths  of 
“morals  and  manners”  should  be  impressed  upon  his  mind. 

Much  valuable  instruction  may  be  gained  from  the  story  of 
the  home  life  of  the  early  Hebrews,  the  Greeks,  the  Romans, 
the  English,  the  Colonists  and  the  Indian  found  in  well  written 
books,  and  current  literature  has  much  of  interest  on  children’s 
play-grounds,  orphan  asylums,  juvenile  courts,  manual  training 
and  domestic  science,  libraries,  fresh  air  fund  and  many  other 
movements  in  which  family  government  is  supplemented  by  ex- 
tending public  or  private  assistance. 


THE  SCHOOL 


The  school  is  not  only  the  most  democratic  institution  in 
the  United  States,  but  it  is  the  place  where  some  of  the  best 
training  for  citizenship  may  be  received,  for  here  the  child  for 
twelve  years  works  with  others  who  differ  from  him  financially, 
socially  and  in  general  disposition. 

This  work  naturally  falls  under  the  following  heads: 

The  Pupil. 

1.  Who  may  attend — school  age. 

2.  Why  the  pupil  should  be  prompt  in  obeying  all  signals. 

3.  Why  punctual  and  regular  in  attendance. 

4.  Why  attentive  and  orderly  in  conduct. 

5.  His  relation  to  his  fellow  pupils,  the  janitor  and  the 

teachers. 

6.  The  care  of  his  books  and  of  all  school  property. 

7.  The  child  should  be  shown  how  he  may  assist  the  janitor 

in  keeping  the  building  clean  and  in  beautifying  the 
school  grounds. 

The  Playground. 

1.  As  a rule  children  should  be  separated  according  to  age 

and  sex.  The  large  boys  engage  in  “rougher” 
games  than  do  the  older  girls,  and  small  children 
should  have  the  less  difficult  games. 

2.  There  should  be  many  kinds  of  games  and  games  in 

which  many  engage  at  the  same  time. 

3.  There  should  be  rules  and  officers  that  all  obey. 

4.  Each  pupil  may  sometimes  be  required  to  play  in  a 

position  which  he  does  not  like. 

5.  When  there  is  any  expense  each  should  be  given  an  op- 

portunity to  pay  his  part. 

6.  The  child  should  be  taught  to  play  to  win,  but  to  win 

fairly,  to  act  independently,  or  in  conjunction  with 
others,  on  his  own  initiative  or  in  accordance  with 
the  suggestion  of  others. 


4 


The  Teacher. 

1.  Qualifications — citizenship,  educational,  moral. 

2.  Contract — is  with  whom  and  how  many  copies. 

3.  Authority  over  the  pupil  to  punish  or  suspend. 

4.  Duty  in  regard  to  state  course  of  study,  text  books 

(adopted),  teachers’  institutes,  school  property  and 
to  the  community. 

5.  By  whom  elected  and  by  whom  and  how  often  paid. 

6.  Necessary  steps  to  be  taken  to  secure  salary. 

7.  How  often,  to  whom  and  on  what  does  he  report. 

8.  What  is  a school  register  and  by  whom  kept. 

9.  From  wThom  does  a teacher  receive  a certificate  and  by 

whom  and  for  what  reasons  may  it  be  revoked. 

10.  How  many  grades  of  certificates  granted  by  a county 

school  superintendent;  State  Board  of  Education. 

11.  What  kinds  of  teaching  prohibited. 

The  School  Building. 

1.  Who  authorizes  its  erection. 

2.  How  and  by  whom  built  and  furnished. 

3.  What  per  cent,  of  the  school  money  must  be  expended 

for  library  purposes. 

4.  Who  cares  for  the  library,  a.  During  the  session  of 

school,  b.  During  vacation. 

5.  Who  determines  whether  the  books  are  to  be  furnished 

by  the  school  or  by  each  individual  pupil. 

6.  Who  pays  for  all  property  destroyed  in  or  around  the 

building. 

7.  By  whom  are  the  expenses  of  heating,  lighting  and  car- 

ing for  the  building  paid. 

8.  How  may  a school  building  be  removed. 

Contagious  Diseases. 

1.  What  diseases  are  considered  contagious. 

2.  Why  should  one  be  vaccinated. 

3.  In  case  of  a contagion  breaking  out  in  a school  what  is 

the  duty  of : 

a.  The  teacher. 

b.  The  afflicted  pupil  and  other  members  of  his 

family. 


5 


c.  The  owner  of  the  premises. 

d.  The  trustees. 

e.  When  may  the  pupils  return. 

f.  What  should  be  done  with  the  books  and  arti- 

cles of  clothing  used  by  a pupil  afflicted  with 
a contagious  disease. 

g.  What  is  the  cause  of  the  origin  and  spread  of 

many  kinds  of  contagious  diseases. 

The  Trustees . 

1.  How  many,  by  whom,  when  and  for  how  long  are  they 
elected. 

2.  Who  are  the  officers  of  the  Board  of  Trustees. 

3.  By  whom  is  a vacancy  in  the  board  filled. 

4.  Their  power  over. 

a.  The  teacher. 

b.  The  pupils. 

c.  The  janitor. 

d.  The  school  building  and  grounds. 

5.  How  often  and  what  kinds  of  meetings. 

6.  Of  whom  do  they  receive  and  to  whom  do  they  make 

reports. 

7.  They  may  be  compelled  to  make  what  kind  of  repairs. 

8.  What  kind  of  men  should  be  chosen  for  this  office. 

School  Fund. 

1.  Sources. 

a.  School  lands — what  sections  belong  to  the 

schools. 

b.  Taxes — regular  and  special. 

c. .  License — kinds. 

d.  Fines  and  forfeitures — meaning  of  terms. 

e.  Money  received  from  the  sale  of  estray  stock. 

2.  How  often  is  the  money  belonging  to  the  schools  appor- 

tioned. 

a.  By  the  state  school  superintendent. 

b.  The  county  school  superintendent. 

3.  On  what  basis  is  the  fund  distributed  by. 

a.  The  state  school  superintendent. 

S.  The  County  school  superintendent. 


6 


4.  What  is  the  rate  of  the  regular  school  tax  and  by  whom 

levied. 

5.  By  whom  and  for  how  much  is  a special  tax  levied. 

6.  For  what  reasons  may  a district  forfeit  or  lose  its  school 

funds. 

7.  Who  is  custodian  of  the  school  funds. 

a.  In  the  county. 

b.  In  the  state. 

The  School  District. 

1.  Kinds. 

a.  Regular. 

b.  Independent. 

c.  Joint. 

d.  Consolidated. 

2.  How  and  by  whom  created. 

3.  It  must  contain  how  many  children  of  school  age.  How 

many  square  miles  of  territory  and  how  many  dol- 
lars’ worth  of  taxable  property. 

4.  When  does  a district  lapse  and  what  becomes  of  its 

property  when  this  occurs. 

5.  On  what  conditions  may  non-resident  pupils  attend 

school  in  a district. 

6.  When  may  a school  district  be  divided. 

7.  What  is  meant  by  bonding  a district. 

8.  Who  may  vote  at  election  authorizing  the  bonding  of  a 

district. 

9.  Meaning  of  the  terms  “free  holder,”  “householder.” 

10.  How  are  the  bonds  of  a school  district  sold. 

11.  What  provision  must  be  made  for  their  payment. 

12.  To  whom  do  school  districts  usually  sell  their  bonds 

and  what  rate  of  interest  do  they  pay. 

The  Patron. 

The  laws  prescribe  the  maximum  and  minimum  amount  of 
money  that  is  to  be  levied  in  each  school  district  and  how  the 
money  is  to  be  expended,  but  by  far  the  best  service  rendered 
any  school  by  the  patrons  is  voluntary.  The  tactful  teacher  will 
enlist  their  support  in  yaripus  wa ys,  among  which  are  the  fob 
lowing : 


7 


1.  Parents’  meetings. 

a.  What  should  be  the  nature  of  the  program. 

b.  How  often  should  the  meetings  be  held. 

c.  What  is  the  best  time  for  holding  them. 

2.  Legal  holidays. 

a.  Thanksgiving. 

b.  Christmas. 

c.  Washington’s  Birthday. 

d.  Decoration  day. 

e.  Pioneer  Day. 

f.  Arbor  day. 

g.  Flag  Day. 

Probation  Officer. 

1.  Between  what  ages  must  children  attend  schood. 

2.  For  how  long  each  year  must  they  attend. 

3.  What  are  lawful  reasons  for  not  attending. 

4.  What  is  the  penalty  for  a parent  keeping  his  child  out 

of  school  without  a lawful  reason. 

5.  Whose  duty  is  it  to  enforce  the  compulsory  school  law. 

METHOD  OF  PRESENTATION 

The  child  should  early  learn  who  are  the  officers  of  the 
school  and  in  a general  way  what  authority  is  exercised  by  each, 
his  relation  to  the  teacher  and  to  his  fellow  pupils ; who  furnishes 
him  a school  building  and  keeps  it  in  condition  for  his  use.  In 
short  the  effort  should  be  directed  toward  getting  him  to  take 
an  intelligent  interest  in  his  school  environment. 

The  more  difficult  topics  like  the  creation  of  school  districts 
and  the  source  of  the  school  funds  may  be  deferred  for  consid- 
eration until  he  reaches  the  upper  grades.  Some  phases  of  the 
work  may  be  presented  incidentally,  others  by  correlating  with 
other  subjects  while  in  the  case  of  still  other  phases  a certain 
amount  of  time  may  be  set  apart  for  their  study. 


THE  CITY 


In  1790  about  one  thirty-third  of  the  people  in  the  United 
States  lived  in  cities,  while  in  1900  the  number  was  about  one- 
third,  and  yet  the  city  is  the  only  civil  division  in  the  United 
States  in  which  the  government  is  not  derived  from  the  people ; 
here  the  source  is  the  state  legislature.  The  problem  of  city 
government  is  still  further  complicated  by  the  fact  that  the  larg- 
est number  of  foreigners,  who  know  least  about  American  insti- 
tutions, are  found  in  them.  A large  part  of  the  wealth  in  the 
United  States,  is  to  be  found  in  the  cities  so  the  election  of  mayor 
is  in  many  instances  as  important  as  that  of  governor  and  in 
one  instance,  New  York,  is  second  only  to  that  of  the  president 
of  the  United  States. 

The  Officers  ordinarily  found  in  a city  are : 

L The  Mayor. 

2.  Councilmen. 

3.  Marshal. 

4.  Policemen. 

5.  Clerk. 

6.  Treasurer. 

7.  Engineer. 

8.  Street  Commissioner. 

9.  Water  Works  Superintendent. 

10.  Police  Judge. 

11  City  Attorney. 

12.  City  Health  Officer. 

13.  Chief  of  the  Fire  Department. 

14.  City  Librarian. 

15.  Garbage  Collector. 

16.  Sexton. 

City  Government  is  Administered  Along  the  Following  Lines', 

1.  The  Mayor  or  the  chief  executive  officer. 

a.  Elected  by  whom  and  for  how  long, 

b.  His  power  in  law  jnaking. 


9 


c.  Appoints  what  other  officers. 

d.  What  officers  are  responsible  to  him. 

2.  The  Councilmen. 

a.  Elected  by  whom  and  for  how  long. 

b.  Their  power  in  law  making. 

c.  Do  they  represent  the  city  as  a whole  or  in  part. 

d.  What  kind  of  men  should  be  elected  to  this 

office. 

e.  Should  they  be  elected  for  long  or  short  terms. 

3.  The  Marshal  and  Policemen. 

a.  What  are  their  duties. 

b.  What  kind  of  men  should  be  appointed  to  these 

offices. 

c.  Why  should  there  be  night  as  well  as  day 

policemen. 

d.  How  are  they  appointed  to  office. 

4.  The  Streets. 

a.  What  is  the  name  of  the  officer  who  cares  for 

the  streets. 

b.  Who  pays  for  grading  streets  and  putting  in 

cross  walks. 

c.  Who  pays  for  laying  all  sidewalks  and  who 

orders  them  put  down. 

d.  Give  some  reason  why  streets  in  cities  should 

be  paved. 

e.  In  case  someone  is  injured  from  a fall  on  de- 

fective sidewalks  or  street,  who  pays  the 
damage. 

f.  How  may  everyone  aid  in  keeping  the  streets 

clean. 

5.  Water  Supply. 

a.  From  what  source  may  a city  be  supplied  with 

water. 

b.  How  is  the  water  conveyed  to  each  house. 

c.  What  is  a reservoir  and  how  should  it  be 

cared  for. 

d.  Why  should  streets  be  sprinkled  and  who  pays 

for  it. 

e.  Why  should  every  home  have  a lawn,  trees 

and  flowers. 


10 


f.  Why  should  water  be  supplied  as  cheaply  and 

abundantly  as  possible. 

g.  Why  should  every  city  own  its  water  works 

system. 

6.  Fire  Department. 

a.  How  does  a city  protect  itself  against  fire. 

b.  What  is  a fire  engine. 

c.  Why  should  every  city  have  a fire  company. 

d.  How  soon  after  a fire  alarm  may  a team  be 

harnessed  and  hitched  to  a fire  engine. 

e.  Name  some  cities  where  there  have  been  large 

fires. 

f.  What  are  some  of  the  causes  of  fires. 

g.  In  what  way  will  good  fire  protection  insure 

better  insurance  rates. 

h.  In  what  different  ways  may  fire  alarms  be 

given. 

7.  Public  Lighting. 

a.  What  are  some  of  the  advantages  of  all  of  the 

people  in  the  same  town  being  supplied  with 
light  from  a common  source. 

b.  Why  should  the  streets  be  lighted  at  night. 

c.  Why  should  a city  own  its  own  light  and  gas 

plants. 

d.  By  what  means  may  the  power  necessary  for 

electric  light  be  supplied. 

e.  For  what  other  purposes  than  lighting  may 

electricity  be  used. 

8.  Public  Health. 

a.  Who  is  the  city  health  officer  and  what  are  his 

duties. 

b.  Who  is  the  garbage  collector  and  what  are  his 

duties. 

c.  Why  should  the  streets,  alleys  and  back  yards 

be  kept  clean. 

d.  Why  should  a family  where  there  is  a con- 

tagious disease  be  quarantined. 

e.  Why  should  all  cases  of  sickness  be  reported  to 

the  health  officer. 


11 


f.  What  should  be  done  with  all  furniture  and 

articles  of  clothing  used  by  a person  afflicted 
with  a contagious  disease. 

g.  How  may  the  spread  of  a contagious  disease 

be  prevented. 

h.  What  is  meant  by  a disinfectant. 

9.  Public  Buildings. 

a.  Name  all  of  the  public  buildings  in  your  city. 

b.  Who  pays  the  expenses  for  the  erection  and 

maintenance  of  these  buildings. 

c.  Why  should  they  be  protected  by  every  one. 

d.  For  what  purposes  are  the  buildings  used. 

e.  Why  should  not  public  buildings  be  taxed. 

f.  Who  is  the  building  inspector  and  what  are  his 

duties. 

10.  Public  Grounds. 

a.  Name  the  public  grounds  in  your  city. 

b.  Why  should  every  city  have  large  playgrounds 

for  the  schools  and  an  athletic  field  for  the 
public. 

c.  Why  and  how  may  every  city  improve  its  park. 

d.  Why  should  not  rubbish  be  allowed  to  be 

dumped  on  to  vacant  lots. 

e.  Why  should  trees  be  planted  along  all  streets. 

General  Remarks . 

1.  Name  the  three  classes  of  cities  in  this  state. 

2.  Explain  the  meaning  of  the  terms. 

a.  Incorporate. 

b.  Charter. 

c.  Ordinance. 

d.  Franchise. 

e.  Municipal  ownership. 

3.  From  what  sources  does  a city  secure  the  necessary 

money  to  pay  the  expense  of  city  government. 

4.  Why  should  all  city  officers  be  non-partisan. 

5.  Where  does  the  city  get  its  charter. 

6.  How  may  a city  secure  a new  charter  or  have  its  present 

charter  amended. 

7.  Who  constitute  the  board  of  equalization  in  a city  and 

what  are  its  duties. 


12 


METHOD  OF  PRESENTATION 

\ 

The  city  furnishes  much  of  interest  to  the  child  for  the 
study  of  life  in  the  community.  There  are  the  various  kinds  of 
industry,  the  different  kinds  of  churches,  the  many  forms  in 
which  social  life  is  manifest,  the  educational  institutions  and  the 
annual  elections  show  him  much  from  a political  standpoint. 
While  the  pupil  should  acquire  a certain  amount  of  definite  in 
formation  from  the  instruction  given  by  the  teacher,  his  interest 
should  be  enlarged  by  showing  him  how  he  is  a part  of  the  com- 
munity in  which  he  lives,  and  how  he  is  to  some  extent  indi- 
vidually responsible  for  the  condition  of  his  town. 

Paved  streets,  beautiful  parks,  fine  public  buildings,  good 
schools  and  clean  government  come  only  when  a majority  of  the 
voters  demand  them  and  are  willing  to  pay  for  them. 


THE  COUNTY 


The  county  is  formed ; its  rights  are  conferred  and  its  duties 
imposed  by  an  act  of  the  state  legislature.  The  county  organi- 
zation brings  justice  near  the  people,  enables  them  to  attend  to 
local  affairs  too  extensive  for  a smaller  community,  and  affords 
a medium  by  which  they  may  transact  business  with  the  state. 
It  serves  as  a convenient  basis  of  apportioning  members  of  the 
legislature  among  the  people.  It  maintains  local  officers,  such 
as  sheriff  and  prosecuting  attorney,  whose  duties  would  be  too 
narrow  if  confined  to  a township.  It  secures  a competent  and 
higher  tribunal  than  the  justice’s  court  for  the  trial  of  suits  at 
law.  This  was  the  original  purpose,  and  is  still  the  controlling 
reason  for  the  division  of  the  states  into  counties. 

Peterman’s  “Elements  of  Civil  Government.” 

As  regards  age,  citizenship,  residence  and  manner  of  elec- 
tion, all  county  officers  are  equal  but  the  requirements  of  their 
offices  demand  persons  of  widely  different  qualifications  and 
ability. 

The  following  is  a list  of  county  officers: 

1.  Sheriff. 

2.  Assessor. 

3.  Clerk  who  is  ex-officio  auditor  and  recorder. 

4.  County  school  superintendent. 

5.  Probate  judge. 

6.  County  commissioners. 

7.  Treasurer. 

8.  Surveyor. 

9.  Coroner. 

10.  Justice  of  the  peace. 

11.  Constable. 

While  the  last  two  officers  are  not,  strictly  speaking,  county 
officers  in  that  every  precinct  in  the  county  has  such  officers  yet 
the  precinct  is  so  closely  connected  with  the  county  that  precinct 
government  may  be  considered  in  connection  with  it. 


14 


The  County  Seat. 

1.  How  located  or  changed. 

2.  What  officers  reside  here  and  why. 

3.  How  is  the  court  house  built  and  who  furnishes  each  of 

the  offices. 

4.  Who  has  charge  of  the  jail  and  why  should  men,  women 

and  juvenile  offenders  be  separated. 

5.  How  often  does  the  district  court  meet. 

6.  How  often  does  the  county  court  meet. 

7.  How  often  does  the  probate  court  meet. 

8.  What  is  done  with  a person  arrested  for  crime  when 

court  is  not  in  session. 

9.  What  is  the  county  board  of  equalization. 

The  Almshouse.  * 

1.  Who  are  admitted  to  this  home. 

2.  How  is  it  supported. 

3.  Why  should  each  county  have  such  a home. 

County  Fairs. 

1.  Why  should  fairs  be  encouraged. 

2.  How  established. 

3.  The  object  and  value. 

4.  What  kinds  of  fairs  may  the  county  aid. 

5.  How  much  may  the  county  commissioners  appropriate 

for  this  purpose. 

6.  What  kinds  of  amusements  should  be  prohibited  on  the 

fair  grounds. 

County  Roads  and  Bridges. 

1.  By  whom  created. 

2.  Why  should  there  be  good  roads. 

3.  How  is  the  expense  of  road  building  paid. 

4.  May  a road  be  opened  up  across  any  one’s  farm. 

5.  Does  every  one  pay  a road  tax. 

6.  Why  should  the  whole  county  be  taxed  to  build  a bridge 

' that  will  not  benefit  all. 

7.  Which  county  officers  locate  roads  and  let  the  contracts 

for  the  building  of  bridges. 


15 


8.  Would  it  be  a good  plan  to  compel  all  those  confined  in 

the  county  jail  to  work  on  the  public  roads. 

9.  Would  better  roads  be  built  if  every  one  was  charged  a 

road  tax  and  all  road  building  done  by  contract. 

County . 

1.  How  created,  divided  or  abolished. 

2.  What  must  be  its  area  and  valuation  of  property. 

3.  Who  fixes  the  maximum,  minimum  and  exact  rate  of 

taxation  in  a county. 

4.  Who  passes  the  laws  for  the  county  and  what  officers 

enforce  them. 

5.  Who  fixes  the  exact  amount  of  the  salaries  of  each 

county  officer. 

6.  When  do  all  officers  assume  the  duties  of  their  office. 

7.  What  is  meant  by  the  term  “qualifying”  for  office. 

8.  Who  fill  all  vacancies. 

9.  What  is  meant  by  “experting”  the  books  of  each  of  the 

county  officers  and  why  should  this  be  done. 

10.  Name  the  counties  of  the  state. 

County  Elections. 

The  voters  at  a county  election  vote  for  precinct,  county  and 
state  officers  and  United  States  representatives,  and  on  presi- 
dential years,  electors  for  President  and  Vice  President.  There 
are  four  regular  steps  to  be  taken  in  holding  an  election. 

1.  The  candidates  for  office  must  be  nominated. 

2.  The  campaign  conducted. 

3.  The  registration  of  voters. 

4.  The  election  must  be  conducted  in  accordance  with  the 

laws  passed  for  governing  them. 

The  Primaries.  \ 

1.  Object. 

2.  By  whom  called — Central  Committee. 

3.  What  notice  given. 

a.  Time  when  held. 

b.  Place  where  held. 

c.  Names  number  of  delegates  allowed  in  each 

precinct. 


16 


4.  By  whom  called  to  order. 

5.  What  officers  elected. 

6.  Delegates  must  be  elected  by  ballot. 

7.  Tie  vote  to  be  determined  by  lot. 

8.  How  is  it  determined  who  is  allowed  to  vote. 

9.  Who  may  challenge  a voter  and  how  is  the  contest  set- 

tled. 

10.  How  is  the  result  of  the  election  determined. 

11.  What  is  done  with  the  votes  after  the  election. 

12.  Who  cast  the  votes  of  absent  delegates. 

13.  In  case  of  fraud  who  determines  which  delegates  are  to 

be  seated. 

14.  How  does  a delegate  establish  his  right  to  a seat  in  the 

convention. 

15.  What  is  the  penalty  for  fraudulent  voting  at  the  pri- 

mary. 

The  County  Convention. 

1.  Meets  when  and  where. 

2.  Composed  of  whom. 

3.  By  whom  called  to  order. 

4.  By  whom  may  the  various  committees  be  appointed. 

5.  What  is  the  work  of  the  Committee  on  “Credentials.” 

6.  What  is  the  work  of  the  Committee  on  “Order  of  Busi- 

ness.” 

7.  What  is  the  work  of  the  Committee  on  “Resolutions.” 

8.  How  is  the  manner  of  voting  determined. 

9.  What  is  the  objection  to  choosing  delegates  to  the  state 

convention  and  nominating  candidates  for  county 
offices  by  the  same  convention. 

10.  What  are  the  advantages  and  disadvantages  of  electing 
candidates  from  all  parts  of  the  county. 

11.  What  is  meant  by  nominating  candidates  for  office  by 

“direct  primaries.” 

The  County  Central  Committee . 

1.  Composed  of  whom. 

2.  By  whom  selected. 

J.  By  whom  are  the  chairman  and  secretary  of  this  com- 
mittee chosen. 


17 


4.  Who  is  the  general  manager  of  the  campaign  in  the 

county. 

5.  Where  is  the  money  obtained  which  is  used  in  employ- 

ing speakers,  securing  halls  for  meetings  and  hiring 
brass  bands  as  well  as  other  expenses  incurred  in  con- 
ducting a campaign. 

6.  Why  should  the  chairman  of  the  county  central  com- 

mittee be  a strong,  honest,  upright  man. 

7.  Would  it  be  a good  plan  to  force  each  party  to  publish 

an  itemized  account  of  their  receipts  and  expendi- 
turees  of  the  campaign. 

8.  What  is  the  relation  of  the  county  central  committee  to 

the  county  convention. 

9.  Who  determines  the  time  for  holding  the  primaries  and 

county  convention. 

The  Registration  of  Voters. 

1.  What  is  a registrar  and  by  whom  appointed. 

2.  How  many  days  previous  to  election  has  a voter  in 

which  to  register. 

3.  What  is  meant  by  registering  when  applied  to  a voter. 

4.  Who  are  not  allowed  to  register. 

5.  What  are  some  of  the  advantages  of  the  registration  of 

voters. 

6.  What  is  the  result  if  the  voter  fail  to  register. 

Election . 

1.  What  are  the  duties  of  the  (a)  judges,  (b)  clerks  of  an 

election  and  by  whom  are  they  appointed. 

2.  What  is  a “booth.” 

3.  What  is  meant  by  challenging  a voter  and  who  may 

do  it. 

4.  How  may  the  judges  know  whether  a voter  has  regis- 

tered and  is  entitled  to  vote. 

5.  Tell  how  the  voter  prepares  his  ballot. 

6.  Who  has  the  ballots  printed. 

7.  What  is  meant  by  “scratching”  the  ticket. 

8.  In  case  the  voter  is  physically  unable  to  fill  out  his  bal- 

lot who  does  it  for  him. 

9.  What  precautions  are  taken  to  secure  absolutely  secret 

voting. 


18 


10.  During  what  hours  of  the  day  are  the  polls  open. 

11.  What  is  the  penalty  for  illegal  voting  or  for  attempting 

to  bribe  a voter. 

12.  After  the  polls  are  closed  what  is  done  by  the  judges,  of 

each  precinct,  with  all  ballots  and  books  showing  the 

returns. 

13.  Who  constitute  the  board  of  canvassers  and  what  is 

their  work. 

METHOD  OF  PRESENTATION 

This  work  is  taken  up  in  the  seventh  grade,  when  the  chil- 
dren are  old  enough  to  take  an  interest  in  the  newspapers  and 
understand  many  things  in  connection  with  county  government. 

The  more  difficult  parts  which  have  reference  to  party  man- 
agement may  be  omitted  until  later,  but  the  rest  of  the  work  if 
carefully  presented  by  the  teacher  may  be  understood  by  chil- 
dren in  this  grade.  If  the  questions  are  raised  in  school  the 
child  will  often  get  much  assistance  from  his  parents  as  well  as 
to  arouse  a certain  amount  of  interest  in  public  questions  by 
their  discussion.  The  child  is  often  acquainted  with  one  or 
more  of  the  county  officers  and  this  will  afford  a starting  point. 


THE  STATE 


“An  American  may,  through  a long  life,  never  be  reminded 
of  the  Federal  Government,  except  when  he  votes  at  presidential 
and  congressional  elections,  buys  a package  of  tobacco  bearing 
the  Government  stamp,  lodges  a complaint  against  the  postoffice, 
and  opens  his  trunk  for  a custom  house  officer  on  a pier  at  New 
York  when  he  returns  from  a tour  in  Europe.  His  direct  taxes 
are  paid  to  officials  acting  under  State  laws.  The  State,  or  a 
local  authority  constituted  by  State  statutes,  registers  his  birth, 
appoints  his  guardian,  pays  for  his  schooling,  gives  him  a share 
in  the  estate  of  his  father,  deceased,  licenses  him  when  he  enters 
a trade,  marries  him,  divorces  him,  entertains  civil  actions 
against  him,  declares  him  a bankrupt,  and  hangs  him  for  mur- 
der. The  police  that  guard  his  house,  the  local  boards  that  look 
after  the  poor,  control  highways,  impose  water  rates,  manage 
schools, — all  these  derive  their  legal  powers  from  the  State  alone. 
In  comparison  with  such  a number  of  functions  the  Federal  Gov- 
ernment is  but  a department  for  foreign  affairs.” 

James  Bryce,  author  of  “The  American  Commonwealth,” 
and  English  Ambassador  to  the  United  States. 

Its  History. 

I.  The  Oregon  Country. 

1.  Bound  it. 

2.  On  what  was  their  claim  to  this  country  based  by. 

a.  Russia. 

b.  Spain. 

c.  Great  Britain. 

d.  United  States. 

3.  When  was  Oregon  organized  as  a Territory  and  how 

much  did  it  embrace. 

4.  When  was  Washington  organized  as  a Territory  and 

how  much  did  it  embrace. 

II.  Idaho. 

1.  When  was  it  organized  as  a Territory  and  what  were 

its  boundaries. 

2.  Where  were  the  first  settlements  in  the  state,  and  what 

induced  settlers  to  come  to  the  territory. 


20 


3.  Where  was  the  first  capital  and  when  was  it  moved. 

4.  Who  was  the  first  governor  of  the  territory. 

5.  Who  was  the  first  delegate  in  congress. 

6.  When  was  the  territory  admitted  as  a state. 

7.  Where  was  the  convention  held  which  framed  the  con- 

stitution of  the  state. 

8.  Name  some  prominent  members  of  this  convention. 

9.  Who  was  the  delegate  in  congress  and  who  was  Presi- 

dent of  the  United  States  when  the  territory  was  ad- 
mitted as  a state. 

10.  Who  were : 

a.  The  first  governor. 

b.  The  first  senators. 

c.  The  first  representative  of  the  state. 

The  Resources . 

I.  Agriculture. 

1.  Name  the  different  kinds  of  agricultural  products  of  this 

state  and  in  what  parts  they  are  grown. 

2.  Where  is  the  agricultural  college  located  and  in  what 

ways  does  it  aid  the  farmer. 

3.  What  kinds  of  crops  pay  best  in  the  community  where 

you  live. 

II.  Horticulture. 

1.  Name  the  different  kinds  of  fruits  grown  in  this  state 

and  the  parts  of  the  state  where  grown. 

2.  What  is  a horticultural  inspector  and  what  are  his  duties. 

3.  Why  should  all  fruit  growers  be  compelled  to  spray 

their  trees. 

4.  Why  should  all  fruit  be  “inspected”  before  being  ship- 

ped. 

5.  What  kinds  of  fruit  pay  most  in  your  community. 

III.  Timber. 

1.  Name  and  locate  the  most  valuable  timber  lands  in  the 

state. 

2.  Where  are  the  great  saw  mills  located. 

3.  Is  the  timber  owned  chiefly  by  the  state  or  by  private 

individuals. 

4.  What  is  a forest  reserve  and  what  are  some  of  its  ad- 

vantages. 


21 


5.  Locate  the  forest  reserves  in  this  state. 

6.  What  is  the  stone  and  timber  act. 

IV.  Mineral. 

1.  What  kinds  of  minerals  are  found  in  this  state. 

2.  Locate  the  mining  regions. 

3.  Why  are  children  under  fourteen  years  not  allowed  to 

work  in  mines. 

4.  What  are  the  duties  of  a mine  inspector. 

V.  Live  Stock. 

The  governor  appoints  a state  live  stock  sanitary  board 
composed  of  seven  members,  one  from  each  judicial  district. 
Three  of  these  represent  the  cattle  interest,  three  the  sheep  inter- 
est and  one  the  horse  interest. 

1.  What  are  the  duties  of  the  state  veterinary  surgeon. 

2.  What  are  the  duties  of  the  live  stock  inspector  in  each 

district. 

3.  On  what  conditions  may  stock  be  shipped  into  or  out  of 

the  state. 

4.  What  is  the  object  of  having  all  animals  inspected  be- 

fore they  are  slaughtered. 

5.  What  diseases  affect  the  stock  in  your  neighborhood. 

6.  How  may  disease  among  stock  be  prevented  from 

spreading. 

7.  Why  should  stock  be  kept  free  from  disease. 

VI.  The  Public  Lands  of  the  State. 

The  state  has  no  public  land  except  that  given  it  by  the 
national  government.  The  sixteenth  and  thirty-sixth  sections  of 
every  township  are  given  for  public  school  purposes  and  668,080 
?.cres  to  be  selected  by  the  state  were  given  for  special  purposes 
and  this  land  is  spoken  of  as  “special  grants.” 

1.  How  is  land  surveyed. 

2.  What  is  meant  by  “principal  meridians,”  “range  lines,” 

“base  lines,”  “township  lines.” 

3.  Who  constitute  the  State  Board  of  Land  Commissioners. 

4.  When  a township  is  thrown  open  for  settlement  what 

right  has  the  state  in  making  its  selection  of  land. 

5.  What  is  a timber  cruiser. 


22 


6.  How  is  agricultural  land  selected. 

7.  How  is  the  value  of  the  land  belonging  to  the  state  de- 

termined. 

8.  What  may  the  state  do  with  its  land. 

9.  What  is  done  with  the  money  received  by  the  state  from 

the  sale  or  rental  of  its  land. 

10.  Tell  how  much  land  has  been  donated  to  each  of  the 
state  institutions. 

VII.  Irrigation. 

1.  In  which  counties  of  the  state  is  irrigation  practiced  to 

any  great  extent. 

2.  How  many  acres  of  arid  land  may  one  man  take  up 

under  the  Carey  act. 

3.  How  is  the  selection  of  land  under  this  act  made. 

4.  What  kinds  of  crops  grow  best  on  irrigated  land. 

5.  Why  is  irrigated  land  more  valuable  than  land  which  is 

net. 

VIII.  State  Institutions. 

1.  Elemosynary. 

a.  The  Soldiers’  Home — Its  location,  who  admit- 

ted, how  managed  how  supported;  why 
should  the  old  soldier  be  cared  for  at  the 
expense  of  the  government.  How  many  in- 
mates in  the  home  at  present.  What  is  the 
average  annual  cost  of  caring  for  one  in- 
mate of  the  home. 

b.  The  School  for  the  Deaf,  Dumb  and  Blind — 

Where  located,  who  are  admitted,  how  much 
is  allowed  annually  for  the  support  of  each 
one  attending,  why  should  their  education 
be  at  public  expense,  name  some  kinds  of 
work  which  may  be  done  by  blind  people, 
how  is  the  school  supported. 

c.  The  Insane  Asylums — Where  are  they  located; 

what  steps  must  be  taken  before  a person 
may  be  committed ; how  are  the  patients 
cared  for;  what  per  cent,  of  them  recover; 
how  are  they  conveyed  to  the  asylums ; how 
are  the  asylums  supported. 


23 


2.  Reformatory. 

a.  The  Industrial  Training  School — Where  loca- 
ted, who  are  admitted,  give  the  necessary 
steps  in  commitment,  what  are  the  boys  and 
girls  in  this  school  taught,  how  long  must 
they  remain,  what  opportunity  have  they 
for  meeting  their  parents,  on  what  condition 
may  their  term  be  shortened. 

3.  Penal. 

a.  The  Penitentiary — Where  located,  how  many 
inmates  at  present,  are  men  and  women 
confined  in  the  same  building,  what  are  tne 
duties  of  the  warden,  in  what  are  the  pris- 
oners engaged,  what  is  meant  by  paroling  a 
prisoner,  have  the  prisoners  any  library, 
place  of  recreation  or  amusement.  In  what 
ways  could  and  should  the  public  aid  pris- 
oners when  discharged. 

3.  Educational. 

a.  The  Academy  of  Idaho — Where  located,  ob- 

ject, present  attendance,  number  of  teach- 
ers, present  value  of  building  and  equip- 
ment, on  what  conditions  are  students  ad- 
mitted, may  graduates  from  this  academy 
enter  universities  and  colleges  without  ex- 
amination. 

b.  The  Normal  Schools — Lewiston  and  Albion — 

Where  located,  object,  attendance,  present 
number  of  the  faculty,  on  what  condition 
may  students  enter  either,  what  papers  are 
granted  by  these  schools,  are  these  diplomas 
recognized  in  other  states.  What  is  the  ob- 
ject of  a training  department.  Why  should 
the  state  require  trained  teachers  for  its 
schools,  how  much  has  each  school  invested 
at  present  in  buildings  and  equipment,  what 
advantages  are  offered  for  cheap  board, 
what  is  the  average  annual  cost  to  the  pupil 
attending  either  of  these  schools. 


24 


c.  The  University — Where  located,  what  three 

schools  are  combined  in  the  university,  what 
general  courses  of  study  are  offered,  who 
are  admitted  to  the  university,  number  of 
students  as  shown  by  the  last  annual  enroll' 
ment,  present  number  of  its  faculty,  value  of 
its  buildings,  average  annual  expense  of  the 
student  attending,  are  students  going  from 
this  university  to  other  state  universities  ad- 
mitted to  the  same  classes  without  examina- 
tion, what  advantages  are  offered  to  reduce 
the  students’  expenses. 

d.  The  Free  Traveling  Library — How  many 

kinds  of  libraries  in  the  state,  what  is  the 
free  traveling  library,  how  many  books  has 
it,  how  is  it  managed,  how  may  a station  of 
this  library  be  established,  what  need  is 
there  of  any  except  school  libraries,  how 
many  books  are  sent  to  a station  at  one  time, 
how  long  do  they  remain,  who  is  responsible 
for  them,  who  may  use  them. 


THE  STATE  GOVERNMENT 

It  is  sometimes  said  that  there  are  four  departments  in  both 
the  state  and  the  national  government.  1.  The  people.  2.  The 
legislative.  3.  The  executive.  4.  The  judicial. 

I.  The  People. 

1.  What  is  meant  by  saying  “all  political  power  is 

inherent  in  the  people.” 

2.  Has  the  government  any  power  except  that  dele- 

gated to  it  by  the  people,  and  has  any  power 
been  delegated  to  it  which  cannot  be  recalled 
by  them. 

3.  What  is  the  relation  of  church  and  state. 

4.  May  any  religious  qualification  be  required  fot 

holding  office,  teaching  in  or  attending  any 
school  in  this  state. 

5.  May  any  person  attending  any  school  in  the  state 

be  required  to  attend  any  religious  exercise. 

6.  What  rights  has  one  arrested  for  crime. 

7.  Explain  the  origin  of  the  two  kinds  of  juries  and 

the  work  of  each. 

8.  Why  is  a grand  jury  more  likely  to  bring  a crim- 

inal to  justice  than  is  the  public  prosecutor. 

9.  On  what  condition  may  any  individual  write  or 

publish  what  he  pleases. 

10.  For  what  different  purposes  may  there  be  made  a 

public  use  of  lands  in  this  state. 

11.  For  what  purposes,  to  whom  and  when  shall 

courts  of  justice  be  open. 

12.  For  what  purposes  may  the  people  assemble. 

13.  How  may  a majority  of  the  people  of  this  state 

get  any  law  passed  or  repealed  which  they  may 
wish  passed  or  repealed. 

14.  Why  should  every  citizen  vote  at  all  primaries 

and  elections  held  in  his  precinct. 

15.  When  only  is  a property  qualification  for  voting 

required. 

16.  v)n  what  conditions  rhay  a voter  lose  his  right  to 

vote. 

17.  What  power  have  the  people  to  change  any  law 

6f  the  constitution  of  theif  state. 


26 


II.  Legislative — Legislation  should  be  viewed  quite  as  much 
from  the  standpoint  of  evil  influences  of  bad  laws  as 
from  the  helpful  results  of  good,  so  also  should  the  in- 
tegrity and  strength  of  character  of  the  legislator  count 
for  quite  as  much  as  his  wisdom.  In  other  words  the 
men  who  are  elected  to  make  laws  for  the  entire  state 
should  be  both  wise  and  strong. 

1.  Why  does  the  legislative  department  more  nearly 

represent  the  people  than  does  either  of  the 

others. 

2.  Should  the  legislators  be  men  of  as  much  ability 

as  the  governor  or  the  supreme  judges. 

3.  Give  the  various  steps  from  the  introduction  of  a 

bill  until  it  becomes  a law. 

4.  Why  should  each  house  be  divided  into  commit- 

tees for  the  transaction  of  business. 

5.  What  is  a lobbyist. 

6.  Why  is  the  speaker  of  the  house  such  an  import- 

ant official. 

7.  In  what  ways  may  a legislative  librarian  be  help- 

ful in  law  making. 

8.  When  is  a caucus  a good  thing  and  when  an  evil. 

9.  What  is  meant  by  a ‘‘representative”  or  a “sena- 

torial” district. 

10.  What  is  meant  by  the  people  “petitioning”  or 

“instructing”  their  representatives. 

1 1.  Why  should  all  money  bills  originate  in  the  house. 

12.  What  evils  result  from  the  election  of  United 

States  senators  by  the  state  legislatures. 

13.  Why  should  secret  sessions  of  the  legislature  be 

not  allowed. 

III.  Executive. — The  executive  department  should  be  viewed 
from  the  standpoint  of  (a)  law  making,  (b)  adminis- 
tration, (c)  enforcement  of  the  law.  Every  depart- 
ment of  state  government  and  every  institution  must  re- 
port to  the  governor.  He  will,  therefore,  know  the 
needs  of  all..  The  administration  of  state  government 
is  largely  through  the  executive  officers  and  boards,  but 
they  are  responsible  to  the  governor  and  their  success 
will  depend  largely  upon  his  administrative  ability  while 


27 


the  usefulness  of  all  laws  will  depend  upon  their  en- 
forcement. 

1.  Governor. 

a.  Why  is  the  supreme  executive  power  of 

the  state  vested  in  one  person. 

b.  What  qualities  ought  a governor  to  pos- 

sess. 

c.  What  power  has  the  governor  in  law 

making. 

d.  What  power  has  the  governor  in  law  en- 

forcing. 

e.  What  is  his  relation  to  the  state  militia. 

f.  What  officers  does  he,  with  the  consent 

of  the  senate,  appoint. 

g.  What  is  meant  by  commissioning  an  offi- 

cer. 

h.  What  provision  is  made  for  executive 

succession. 

2.  Boards — Who  constitute  when  and  where  do  they 

meet. 

a.  Arbitration. 

( 1 ) What  cases  may  be  arbitrated. 

(2)  In  what  way  must  the  arbitra- 

tors make  their  award. 

(3)  What  is  required  of  the  parties 

to  the  controversy  before  arbi- 
tration proceedings  are  begun. 

(4)  Why  is  arbitration  better  than  a 

law  suit. 

b.  Canvassers. 

(1)  This  board  counts  the  votes  for 
what  offices. 

( ) What  is  meant  by  the  “returns,” 
“canvassing  the  votes.” 

(3)  In  what  way  is  the  officer  elect- 

ed notified  by  the  board. 

(4)  How  is  a tie  vote  settled. 

c.  Dental  examiners. 

(1)  By  whom  and  for  how  long  ap- 
pointed. 


28 


(2)  To  whom  are  certificates  to 

practice  dentistry  issued. 

(3)  Is  an  ordinary  physician  allow- 

ed to  extract  teeth. 

(4)  Why  not  allow  anyone  to  prac- 

tice dentistry  until  authorized 
by  the  board, 
d.  Medical  examiners. 


(1) 

How  appointed  — Qualification 
of  its  members.. 

(2) 

What  is  required  of  an  applicant 
before  he  is  allowed  to  prac- 
tice medicine. 

(3) 

Why  should  not  anyone  be  al- 
lowed to  practice  medicine 
until  he  can  pass  a thorough 
examination. 

(4) 

What  is  the  penalty  for  practic- 
ing medicine  without  a license. 

c.  Education. 

a) 

Grants  what  papers. 

(2) 

Who  prepares  the  course  of 
study  for  the  first  eight 
grades  in  all  schools. 

(3) 

Who  prepares  questions  for  the 
county  examination. 

(4) 

Why  should  there  be  a uniform 
course  of  study  in  the  schools 
and  uniform  lists  of  questions 
for  all  teachers’  examinations 

f.  Equalization. 

(i) 

What  is  the  relation  of  the  coun- 
ty assessors  to  this  board. 

29 


(2)  How  does  this  board  equalize 

taxes  on  the  same  kinds  of 
property  all  over  the  state. 

(3)  What  right  has  this  board  to 

raise  or  lower  the  values  of 
property,  fixed  by  the  asses- 
sors of  the  various  counties. 

g.  Examiners. 

( 1 ) Why  must  all  claims  against  the 

state,  except  salaries  fixed  by 
law,  be  passed  upon  by  this 
board. 

(2)  A has  a bill  against  the  state; 

give  the  various  steps  which 
must  be  taken  by  him  in  col- 
lecting it. 

(3)  Why  should  all  claims  against 

the  state  be  itemized  and 
sworn  to  before  they  are  al- 
lowed. 

(4)  Is  there  any  officer  in  the  state 

who  can  tell  for  what  every 
dollar  paid  out,  in  any  one 
year  by  the  state,  has  been  ex- 
pended. 

h.  Horticulture. 

(1)  Into  how  many  districts  has  the 

board  divided  the  state. 

(2)  What  powers  has  the  deputy  in- 

spector appointed  for  each  of 
these  districts. 

(3)  Why  should  all  fruit  and  fruit 

trees  be  inspected  before  they 
are  allowed  to  be  shipped. 

i.  Land  commissioners. 

(1)  What  sections  of  every  township 

are  given  to  the  public  schools. 

(2)  What  is  meant  by  “special 

grants”  and  how  many  acres 
are  embraced  in  these  grants. 


30 


(3)  Who  makes  the  selections  for 

the  ‘special  grant”  land  and 
how  is  it  done. 

(4)  What  is  meant  by  “lieu  lands.” 

(5)  How  is  any  of  the  school  land 

sold. 

(6)  On  what  terms  rented  or  leased. 

(7)  What  use  is  made  of  the  money 

received  from  the  sale  of 
school  lands. 

j.  Pardons. 

(1)  Meaning  of  the  terms,  pardon, 

commute,  reprieve,  parole. 

(2)  When  does  the  board  meet. 

(3)  What  is  required  of  a prisoner 

seeking  a pardon. 

(4)  How  may  a prisoner  be  restored 

to  citizenship. 

k.  Prison  commission. 

(1)  Has  general  charge  of  the  peni- 
tentiary. 

l.  Mining. 

( 1 ) How  is  a mine  located. 

(2)  Why  should  there  be  a mining 

inspector. 

(3)  What  kinds  of  mines  are  there 

in  this  state;  where  are  they 
located. 

m.  Labor  and  Statistics. — Commissioner. 

( 1 ) What  are  the  general  duties  of 

this  officer. 

(2)  Of  what  advantage  to  the  state 

is  it  to  have  published  reports 
of  its  resources  and  industries 
sent  to  other  states. 

(3)  How  does  he  collect  statistics  on 

all  subjects  of  interest  in  the 
state. 


31 


n.  Bank  commissioner. 

(1)  What  is  a bank. 

(2)  Explain  meaning  of  the  terms 

corporation,  stock,  share,  trust, 
monopoly,  “watered  stock,” 
rebate. 

(3)  Why  should  all  banks  be  in- 

spected by  a state  officer. 

(4)  What  is  the  state  depository  law. 

o.  State  engineer. 

(1)  What  is  a water  right. 

(2)  For  what  purposes  may  water, 

obtained  by  right  from  the 
state,  be  used. 

(3)  What  is  meant  by  “priority”  of 

right. 

IV.  Judicial. — Every  citizen  has  certain  legal  rights  and  when 
he  is  denied  any  of  these  rights  he  may  resort  to  the 
courts  for  their  enforcement.  He  should  therefore 
know  the  ordinary  methods  of  procedure  in  case  he 
desires  to  enlist  the  support  of  the  court,  but  the  en- 
forcement of  law  is  oftentimes  not  so  much  a matter 
of  private  as  of  public  concern  and  every  person  should 
be  brought  into  a realization  of  the  necessity  of  an  able, 
honest  and  fearless  judiciary.  There  are  in  every  state 
two  general  classes  of  courts.  United  States  or  Fed- 
eral, which  try  all  cases  where  a national  law  has  been 
violated,  and  State  courts,  which  try  cases  for  a viola- 
tion of  the  laws  of  the  state.  The  state  courts  are  sub- 
divided into  the  following: 

1.  Justice — Found  in  every  precinct  of  the  state  and 

presided  over  by  a justice  of  the  peace. 

2.  County — Presided  over  by  the  three  county  com- 

missioners. 

3.  Probate — Presided  over  by  the  probate  judge  who 

is  ex-officio  juvenile  judge. 

4.  District — Comprising  two  or  more  counties  and 

presided  over  by  a district  judge. 

5.  Supreme  court  presided  over  by  three  supreme 

judges. 


32 


6.  Court  for  the  trial  of  impeachment. 

7.  There  are  certain  terms  more  or  less  applicable  to 

all  of  these  courts,  which  should  be  known  by 
every  one  who  wishes  to  understand  any  of 
them  as  the  following:  jurisdiction,  civil  case, 
criminal  case,  cases  in  equity,  plaintiff,  defend- 
ant, warrant,  summons,  evidence,  verdict,  judg- 
ment, execution,  sentence,  writ  of  habeas  cor- 
pus, certiorari,  mandamus,  injunction,  appeal, 
putting  off  the  trial,  new  trial,  demurrer,  con- 
tempt of  court,  the  powers  and  duties  of  the  fol- 
lowing officers : Judge,  sheriff,  clerk,  constable, 
prosecuting  attorney,  justice  of  the  peace,  bailiff, 
court  stenographer, ; indictment,  bound  over, 
bail,  commitment  to  prison,  misdemeanor,  fel- 
ony, capital  offenses,  breach  of  the  peace,  as- 
sault and  battery,  executor,  administrator,  lien, 
mortgage,  deed,  foreclosure,  testimony,  em- 
paneling a jury,  complaint. 

8.  Name  the  qualifications,  manner  of  election  and 

term  of  office  of  the  officers  who  preside  over 
each  of  the  courts  mentioned. 

9.  Why  should  the  tenure  of  office  be  longer  and 

more  permanent  in  the  case  of  the  judiciary  than 
in  either  of  the  other  departments. 

10.  A gave  B a note  for  $100,  which  is  now  due,  how 

may  B enforce  its  payment  if  A refuses  to  pay  it 

11.  A contractor  employed  a painter  to  paint  a house, 

but  left  without  paying  him,  how  may  the  paint- 
er get  his  money. 

12.  A man  steals  a horse,  give  the  various  legal  steps 

taken  from  the  time  the  horse  is  stolen  until  the 
thief  is  turned  over  to  the  warden  of  the  peni- 
tentiary. 

13.  Give  the  jurisdiction  of  each  of  the  courts  men- 

tioned in  (a)  civil  cases,  (b)  criminal  cases,  (c) 
in  what  territory. 

14.  Why  should  a deed  or  mortgage  be  recorded  as 

soon  as  given. 

15.  Why  should  a purchaser  always  secure  an  ab- 

stract of  title  before  paying  for  a piece  of  land, 


33 


16.  How  may  a person  be  prevented  from  doing 
something  which  another  thinks  he  has  no  legal 
right  to  do. 

METHOD  OF  PRESENTATION 

As  the  state  governmnet  is  so  much  like  the  national  little 
can  be  said  in  regard  to  the  one  that  does  not  apply  to  the  other. 
There  are  departments  of  government,  the  manner  of  passing 
iaws,  their  interpretation  and  enforcement,  the  rights  and  priv- 
ileges of  each  department,  qualifications  and  manner  of  election 
of  the  officers,  and  many  other  similarities  known  to  all  teachers 
could  be  mentioned.  Yet  the  opportunities  for  getting  at  the 
details  in  the  administration  of  state  government  are  much  bet- 
ter than  in  the  case  of  the  national  government,  and  it  may  also 
be  added  that  while  in  the  case  of  the  national  government  gen- 
eral knowledge  is  sufficient  in  the  case  of  the  state  the  knowledge 
should  be  specific ; for  here  the  citizen  is  called  upon  to  perform 
a specific  service  or  to  select  others  to  do  it  for  him.  The  work 
therefore  in  the  study  of  national  and  state  government  may  be 
correlated  to  a good  advantage. 


PARTY  ORGANIZATION  AND  MACHINERY 


There  is  no  provision  in  the  national  or  the  state  constitu- 
tions prescribing  the  methods  for  conducting  the  work  of  polit- 
ical parties,  yet  custom,  which  has  all  the  force  of  law,  is  quite 
uniform  in  the  various  states  as  to  methods  of  calling  conven- 
tions, nominating  candidates  and  conducting  campaigns. 

Primaries . 

These  are  the  meetings  of  the  qualified  voters  of  any  polit- 
ical party  held  in  the  precincts.  There  is  no  place  where  the 
citizen  has  so  much  power  as  here.  If  there  are  any  issues 
which  he  desires  to  raise  or  any  persons  whom  he  wishes  nom- 
inated for  office  he  has  an  opportunity  to  express  his  wishes  in 
the  choice  of  the  delegates  whom  he  selects,  but  if  he  neglect  to 
attend  the  primaries  he  has  practically  no  voice  in  the  choice  of 
the  candidates  or  the  platform  of  his  party.  The  date  and  place 
of  holding  the  primaries  are  determined  by  the  county  central 
committee,  but  the  hour  and  day  are  regulated  by  law,  being 
from  3 to  6 p.  m.  in  the  country  and  2 to  7 p.  m.  in  the  city,  and 
the  meetings  must  be  held  in  every  precinct  of  the  county  on  the 
same  Monday  afternoon.  The  meeting  is  called  to  order  by  the 
precinct  committeeman  or  some  qualified  member  of  the  party, 
and  a chairman,  two  judges  and  two  clerks  are  elected.  Any 
one  who  affiliated  with  the  party  at  the  last  election  or  who  is 
casting  his  first  vote  may  take  part  in  the  primaries.  The  offi- 
cers may  be  elected  by  a viva  voce  vote,  but  the  delegates  must 
be  selected  by  ballot.  The  delegates  are  given  certificates  of 
election,  which  are  called  credentials  and  are  signed  by  the 
judges  and  clerks;  these  entitle  the  delegates  to  a seat  in  the 
county  convention. 


Conventions. 

There  are  three  kinds  of  conventions : 

County,  composed  of  delegates  chosen  at  the  primaries,  that 
elect  delegates  to  the  state  convention  or  nominate  the  candi- 
dates for  the  county  offices. 

State,  composed  of  delegates  chosen  by  the  county  conven- 


35 


tions  that  may  select  delegates  to  the  national  convention  or 
nominate  candidates  for  the  various  state  offices. 

National,  composed  of  delegates  chosen  by  the  state  and 
territorial  conventions,  that  nominate  candidates  for  President 
and  Vice  President. 

The  number  of  delegates  attending  a county  or  state  con- 
vention is  determined  by  the  political  party  and  usually  depends 
upon  the  number  of  votes  cast  for  the  highest  state  official  at  the 
last  election.  But  in  the  national  convention  the  number  of  dele- 
gates is  arbitrarily  fixed  by  the  party.  The  Republican  party 
allows  two  delegates  for  each  senator  and  representative  from 
each  state  and  four  from  each  territory,  while  the  Democratic 
party  allows  six  delegates  from  every  territory  and  four  from 
the  District  of  Columbia,  the  number  from  the  states  being  the 
same  as  that  allowed  by  the  Republican  party. 

The  convention  is  usually  called  to  order  by  the  chairman 
of  the  central  committee  or  some  one  designated  by  him  and  a 
temporary  organization  effected  by  the  election  of  a temporary 
chairman  and  secretary.  The  chairman  appoints  or  the  con- 
vention elects  three  committees,  one  on  credentials,  another  on 
order  of  business  and  still  another  on  resolutions.  The  first  ex- 
amines the  credentials  of  the  delegates,  the  second  arranges  the 
order  of  business  and  the  third  prepares  appropriate  resolutions 
as  well  as  the  platform  of  the  party. 

When  the  convention  has  effected  a permanent  organiza- 
tion, its  work  is  conducted  by  a majority  vote  of  the  delegates. 

Central  Committees. 

The  county  central  committee  is  composed  of  one  delegate 
from  each  precinct,  the  state,  of  one  delegate  from  each  county 
and  sometimes  one  from  each  judicial  district  and  the  national  of 
one  delegate  from  each  state  and  territory. 

These  committeemen  are  elected,  each  by  his  county,  state 
cr  national  convention  and  serve  from  the  meeting  of  one  con- 
vention to  that  of  the  next. 

The  committee  selects  its  chairman  and  secretary  who  may 
or  may  not  be  members  of  the  committee,  and  an  executive  com- 
mittee from  their  number  who,  with  the  chairman,  may  in  most 
cases  act  for  the  whole  committee. 

The  central  committee  determine  when  and  where  the  con- 
ventions are  to  be  held,  and  in  the  case  of  the  county  and  state 


36 


the  number  of  delegates,  fill  vacancies  that  occur  in  the  com- 
mittee and  do  many  other  things  of  a routine  character.  But 
the  real  management  of  the  campaign  is  in  the  hands  of  the 
chairman  of  the  committee,  who  is  the  general  manager  of  the 
party.  He  hires  speakers,  public  halls,  brass  bands,  directs  the 
distribution  of  literature  and  determines  when  particular  speak- 
ers are  to  be  sent  or  whether  they  are  to  be  allowed  to  speak  at 
all  in  his  district. 

He  is  a man  selected  because  of  his  intimate  knowledge  of 
the  officers  of  his  party  and  for  his  executive  and  administrative 
ability. 

The  funds  necessary  for  conducting  a campaign  are  obtained 
by  assessing  the  candidates,  voluntary  contributions  from  those 
whose  business  may  be  affected  by  the  result  of  the  election  and 
people  quite  generally  interested  in  the  success  of  the  party. 


BIBLIOGRAPHY 


In  the  list  of  books  here  appended  the  object  has  not  been  so 
much,  numbers  as  fitness  for  the  grade  of  work  for  which  the 
book  is  recommended  and  each  has  been  examined  with  that 
object  especially  in  view. 

J.  H.  Seelye — “Citizenship”  gives  a comprehensive  view  of 
the  subject  from  the  rights  and  duties  of  the  individual  to  that 
of  nations.  Ginn  & Co.,  Chicago;  price  30  cents. 

C.  D.  Hoxie — “How  the  People  Rule”  is  another  brief  yet 
general  statement  of  government  touching  upon  the  city,  the 
state  and  the  nation.  Silver  Burdette  & Co.,  Chicago;  price  40 
cents. 

Dole — “The  American  Citizen”  treats  of  citizenship  quite 
fully.  D.  C.  Heath  & Co.,  Chicago;  price  80  cents. 

Markwick  & Smith — “The  True  Citizen”  is  a book  of  250 
pages,  dealing  with  the  fundamental  virtues  emphasized  in  fam- 
ily government.  The  book  is  rich  in  anecdotes  and  personal  al- 
lusions which  are  interesting  alike  to  teacher  and  pupil.  Ameri- 
can Book  Co.,  Chicago;  price  60  cents. 

Mabel  Hill — “Lessons  for  Junior  Citizens”  is  a very  helpful 
book  in  the  primary  grades.  “The  School  System,”  “The  Fire 
Department,”  “The  Park  Commission,”  “The  Juvenile  Courts” 
are  only  a few  of  the  many  practical  subjects  discussed  in  the 
form  of  an  interesting  story.  Ginn  and  Company,  Chicago ; 
price  60  cents. 

William  Arthur  Dunn — “The  Community  and  the  Citizen” 
is  a practical  work  on  “civics,”  suitable  for  any  grade,  as  it  deals 
with  life  in  each  of  the  civil  units  of  government,  stimulating,  by 
its  concrete  illustrations,  the  child  to  take  an  interest  in  every 
phase  of  community  life.  D.  C.  Pleath  & Co.,  Chicago,  111. ; 
price  70  cents. 

D.  F.  Wilcox — “The  American  City”  is  a very  full  and  sat- 
isfactory development  of  city  government  in  all  of  its  various 
phases.  The  Macmillan  Co.,  San  Francisco,  Cal.;  price  $1.25. 

Jane  Addams — “Democracy  and  Social  Ethics”  is  a good 
book  for  the  teacher  as  it  pictures  the  social  evils  and  problems. 
The  Macmillan  Co.,  San  Francisco,  Cal.;  price  $1.25. 


38 


J.  W.  Smith — “Training  for  Citizenship”  has  a good  presen- 
tation of  local  governments.  Longmans,  Green  & Co.,  91-93 
Fifth  Ave.,  N.  Y. ; price  90  cents. 

H.  L.  Talkington — “The  State  Constitution  and  School 
Laws  of  Idaho”  is  a very  thorough  treatment  of  the  city,  the 
county  and  the  state  government  as  found  in  Idaho.  No  other 
book  furnishes  so  much  information  on  all  of  the  resources  and 
institutions  of  the  state.  II.  L.  Talkington,  Lewiston,  Idaho; 
retail  $1.25;  mail  $1.35. 

P.  S.  Reinsch — “American  Legislatures  and  Legislative 
Methods”  is  a very  satisfactory  presentation  of  the  subjects  indi- 
cated in  the  title  of  this  book.  The  Century  Co.,  New  York; 
price  $1.25. 

Jesse  Macy — “Party  Organization  and  Machinery”  is  one 
of  the  best  works  yet  published  on  party  politics.  The  Century 
Company,  New  York;  price  $1.25. 

Benjamin  Harrison — “This  Country  of  Ours”  is  a book  full 
of  practical  statements  of  the  national  government  by  one  who 
had  an  unusual  amount  of  first  hand  knowledge..  Charles 
Scribner’s  Sons,  New  York;  price  $1.50. 

A.  B.  Hart — “Actual  Government  as  Applied  Under  Ameri- 
can Conditions”  is  one  of  the  fullest  statements  yet  made  on 
“actual”  government  as  found  everywhere  from  the  precinct  to 
the  federal  government.  Longmans,  Green  & Co.,  91-93  Fifth 
Ave.,  New  York ; price  $2.00. 

Bryce — “American  Commonwealth”  is  a very  popular  and 
practical  treatment  of  American  institutions.  The  Macmillan 
Co.,  San  Francisco,  Cal. ; 2 vol. ; price  $4.00. 

Woodrow  Wilson — “The  State”  is  a very  satisfactory  treat- 
ment of  governments  in  general,  taking  both  European  and 
American.  D.  E.  Heath  & Co.,  Chicago ; price  $2.00. 

“The  Manuals”  of  the  United  States  Senate  and  the  House 
of  Representatives  are  quite  useful  in  the  study  of  the  U.  S. 
Constitution  and  maybe  obtained  by  addressing  any  of  Idaho’s 
congressmen  Washington,  D.  C. 

“The  Political  Code  of  Idaho”  is  an  invaluable  book,  but  out 
of  print,  yet  often  obtainable  from  some  lawyer.  It  contains 
the  law,  giving  the  method  of  procedure  of  every  office  and  in- 
stitution of  Idaho. 


39 


The  reports  of  the  secretaries  of  the  various  state  institu- 
tions as  well  as  those  of  the  executive  officers  and  the  different 
boards  are  very  helpful  in  the  study  of  the  institutions  and  re- 
sources of  the  state. 

All  of  these  reports  may  be  obtained  without  charge  by  ad- 
dressing the  proper  officer. 


INDEX 


A. 

Almshouse,  the  14 

Academy  of  Idaho  23 

B. 

Boards — 

Education  27 

Equalization  27 

Examiners  29 

Horticulture  29 

Land  Commissioners  29 

Pardons  30 

Mining  30 

Labor  and  Statistics  30 

Arbitration  27 

Canvassers  27 

Medical  Examiners  28 

Bank  Commissioner  31 

Bibliography  35 

C. 

Children — 

What  to  Teach 2 

Contagious  Diseases  4 

City,  The — 

Officers  of  8 

Department  of  Government  8 

Classes  of  11 

County,  The — 

Officers  of  13 

County  Seat,  The  14 

County  Fairs  14 

County  Roads  and  Bridges  14 

County  Elections  15 

County  Conventions,  The 16 


41 


Central  Committees 16,  33 

County  16 

State  16 

National  16 

Campaign,  How  Conducted  17 

Courts — 

Justice  31 

County  31 

Probate  31 

District 31 

Supreme  31 

For  Trying  Impeachment 31 

Conventions — 

County  32 

State  33 

National 33 

D. 

Deaf,  Dumb  and  Blind,  School  for 22 

E. 

Elections — Manner  of  Holding  17 

Executive  Department  26 


F. 


Family — 

Government  of 1 

Fire  Department  10 


G. 


Governor 


H. 

Holidays  


Irrigation  

Ifis'ane . Asylum  

Industrial  Training  School 


27 


7 


22 

22 

23 


Judiciary  Department 
Judicial  Terms 


31 

32 


L. 


Library,  School  4 

Live  Stock  21 

Library,  Free  Traveling  24 

Legislative  Department  26 


M. 


Method  of  Presentation — 


Family  Government  2 

School  7 

City  Government  12 

County  18 

State  33 


N. 


Normal  Schools 


23 


P. 


Playground  

Pupil,  The  

Patron,  The  

Parents’  Meetings  . . . 
Probation  Officer 

Public  Lighting  

Public  Health  

Public  Buildings 

Public  Grounds  

Primaries  

Public  Lands  

Penitentiary  

People,  Their  Rights. 
Prison  Commissioners 
Party  Organization  . . 


..  3 

..  3 

..  6 
..  7 

..  7 

. . 10 
. . 10 
..  11 
..  11 
15,  32 
. . 21 
. . 23 

..  30 

32 


43 


R. 

Resources  of  the  State — 

Agricultural  20 

Horticultural  20 

Timber  20 

Mineral  21 

Live  Stock  21 

Public  Lands  21 

S. 

School,  The  3 

School  Building  4 

School  Fund  5 

School  Districts,  Kinds  6 

Streets  9 

State,  The — 

History  of  19 

Soldiers’  Home  22 

State  Engineer  31 

T. 

Teacher,  The  4 

Trustees  5 

Taxation,  Rate  6 

U. 

University,  State  24 

V. 

Voters — 

Registration  of  17 

W. 


Water  Supply  for  Cities 


9 


